Appalachian Artisans Guild to host Appalachian Spring Sampler
(Submitted photos)
Artists and artisans will be sharing their skills in traditional handmade crafts at the annual Appalachian Spring Sampler, Saturday, May 3 at First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro.
This year’s Sampler, hosted by the Appalachian Artisans Guild, and supported by the Ohio Arts Council, will offer nine classes representing a variety of interests, crafts and instructors. Choices for the morning workshop include introduction to chair caning, beginning basketry with a berry basket, constructing a traditional folk toy, creating an outdoor PVC sculpture and painting on canvas.
Options for the afternoon classes include learning how to dye wool yarn beautifully with Kool-Aid, making beginner-friendly fringe earrings, blending healthful botanicals like dried herbs, spices and crystals for simmer pots and blessing balls, and a how-to presentation on harvesting and using natural materials to make birdhouses to attract a wide variety of birds.
Classes are priced by individual instructors, ranging from $9-$40, so attendees may choose a single class or an afternoon and a morning class. A light lunch will be available for purchase during the noon hour. The church, at 201 East Main Street, offers ample parking.
According to Bootsie Robison, Guild secretary and chair of the event, “The Guild is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1994. We strive to preserve the traditional handmade arts of Appalachia and to promote the artistic expression of our regional artisans. At the Spring Sampler, we enjoy taking the opportunity to introduce these traditional creative expressions to anyone who might be interested, and hope to keep the knowledge and skills alive for the future. Some classes are more suitable for adults, but even teens and tweens might appreciate the tote bag project, weaving a berry basket or taking home new fringe earrings.”
To ensure the instructors bring adequate supplies, preregistration by April 28 is required. Robison says guests may register by mail or online using instructions on the Guild website, http://appartguild.com/aag-2025-spring-sampler-workshops_1. Workshop prices and names of instructors are also listed on the website. For questions or more information, please call (937) 752-8243.
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